Tolerate it | ✔️

One

I think about running away almost everyday.

Maybe to the south of France, I've never been. One bag, some money, freedom. All to get away from the person who claims to love me the most, the person who's taken me through hell. My mother.

Resting my chin on my knee, I slowly unwrap the neat point shoes tied to my ankle. The soft pink fabric had now been littered with small red blotches. I sigh, pulling of the shoe and assessing the damage. The three previous blisters I had attempted to tape up were now twice as deep, another one forming.

I ignore the hot pain as I quickly slip my foot into a fresh pair of white socks, putting on my trainers quickly. She hates when I'm late. With a small tug I let down blonde hair. Right now it looked a mess, a sea of sweat and hairspray.

I resisted the urge to close my eyes as I shake myself awake, shoving all my makeup and clothes into my bag forcefully. My mum would throw a fit if she saw my lack of care for the items. I couldn't really care less anymore.

I'd won the competition, like I always do.

I throw some shorts over my tights and leotard, wincing as the cool air pricks my skin. With one swift move I've also put on my hoodie, a scruffy grey thing that was worn out by one of my brothers years ago. They used to come to every one of my recitals, wrapping me in their hoodies at the end.

They don't show up anymore. We're still close, most of us at least. They just get busy, I get it, I really do. Sometimes I just get jealous of the other girls, being surrounded by flowers and family after a competition isn't exactly something I get.

I didn't realise I had become so distracted by the beat fabric when a familiar voice sounded from my left.

"You did so good Mar." I turn to see Rowan jogging over to me, a lazy smile sprawled across his rosy cheeks as he pulled me into his arms.

I can't help but smile too. "Thanks, i'm happy you came." I say smiling, slinging my arms around his torso in return.

I sucked in a shallow breath, slightly tightening my grip on his back as imagined my mum's reaction to my performance. I thought I did well, however I could never be sure until I'd heard her opinion.

The hairs on the top of my head sway as he sighs from above me. "Don't think about her Mar, you were beautiful up there. You always are." I can't help the rosy blush that coats my cheeks as I pull away, quickly looking down to tie my laces. I didn't know if my mind was playing tricks on me, but I thought I saw his cheeks turn slightly darker too.

We're enveloped in a comforting silence as he waits for me to finish up.  Tying the last knot, I bit my lip and rose. We looked at eachother for a few moments before I started. "She's probably waiting, want to walk me out?"

He didn't respond, turning round and slinging my bag over his shoulder. When he finally turns back around, he offers me his hand with a small smile. I took it.

Rowan Davis had been my best friend for as long as I can remember. We met as kids, his Dad is the chief of police in our area.

"Thanks for everything Ro, coming, getting my bag. It really means a lot." I mutter quietly as we walk out. He simply nods.

"God, I really think I hurt my ankle in practice. I fell flat on my ass and it's been sore all day." I mumble in annoyance.

Rowan lets out a small chuckle, a spark of amusement present in his dark eyes. They'd always been one of my favourite parts about him. Dark brown but not light enough to be considered black. They harshly contrasted his light hair, the ashy blonde curls framing his face.